Posts with the category “lent-devotional-2025”
He is Risen | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Easter
by Charity Goodwin on April 20th, 2025
Happy Resurrection Day! Happy Easter!Today we will celebrate with hallelujahs that new life, transformation and re-birth are possible and for us because of Jesus. The prayer today is that you will experience resurrection like Jesus. May the areas of your life that have been grief-stricken, dead, or complacent be resurrected this season. May God transform that which has been hard to something holy ... Read More
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The Burning Pain of Hope | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Holy Saturday
by Elliott Jones Boyle on April 19th, 2025
The Thing IsBy Ellen Bassto love life, to love it evenwhen you have no stomach for itand everything you’ve held dearcrumbles like burnt paper in your hands,your throat filled with the silt of it.When grief sits with you, its tropical heatthickening the air, heavy as watermore fit for gills than lungs;when grief weights you down like your own fleshonly more of it, an obesity of grief,you think, How... Read More
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Today is Not the End of the Story | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Good Friday
by Dave Merrill on April 18th, 2025
Today’s devotional image comes from artist Matt Dixon. I first ran across Dixon’s work on instagram (@mattdixonart).One of my favorite pieces by Matt is entitled “Threshold.” It depicts a beautiful forest landscape where the very first leaf is falling for the upcoming season. Per usual, Dixon’s art contains a simple robot observing or participating in the natural world.I love this image so much be... Read More
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Where Was Judas? | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Maundy Thursday
by Sarina Williams on April 17th, 2025
At age 9, Sarina drew this depiction of the Last Supper. She said that Judas is the one in the back counting the money. What do you notice differently about the Lord's Supper through the artist's eyes? 1 Corinthians 11: 23-2623 I received a tradition from the Lord, which I also handed on to you: on the night on which he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread. 24 After giving thanks, he broke it ... Read More
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Feeling Called Out | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 43
by Katja Jones on April 16th, 2025
This week's scripture is a straight up call out to us. I read this and feel called out due to the simple fact that as a people, we gripe and complain all the time. "There's poor people that would love your shoes!" "There are kids that go to bed hungry and youre choosing to not finish your food!" AND YET, when we see those folks on the side of the street or in our communities, we ignore them. We wi... Read More
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Through the Eyes of Those Who Knew Him | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 42
by The Gathering on April 15th, 2025
The Chosen TV series allows us to see Jesus through the eyes of those who knew Him. Watch this clip of the woman anointing Jesus. What emotions are evoked in you? Mark 14: 1-9Preparation for burial14 It was two days before Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and legal experts through cunning tricks were searching for a way to arrest Jesus and kill him. 2 But they agree... Read More
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The Value of Praise | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 41
by The Gathering on April 14th, 2025
CeCe Winans tells the story of the woman with the alabaster box through song. Listen and envision the picture she paints of this anointing of Jesus. The chorus speaks of the woman's praise being worth more than we know. At what is your praise valued? Consider your blessings, thanksgiving, healings, mendings of relationships, etc....these are sacred acts that infuse your praise. Mark 14: 1-9Prepara... Read More
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The Belief of Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 40
by Morgan Goymer on April 13th, 2025
"La La Land" is all about love - of music, movies, both industries' history, Los Angeles culture, and romance. The two main characters are beyond passionate about their crafts... but can't seem to make it very far without each other. While I won't ruin the ending, it doesn't end in a blissful 'happily ever after' but with melancholy and reminiscence.In the Bible passage, there is a woman who peopl... Read More
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When We Disappoint Others | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 39
by Charity Goodwin on April 12th, 2025
What happens when you're the one who disappoints another, like the disciples? Take a deep breath. It can be hard to admit and accept that we've disappointed others.Consider reflecting on the incident. Journal using the following prompts: When I disappoint someone I feel ________________. I think ________________ about myself. I do these actions to myself _____________. Matthew 26: 40-5640 He came... Read More
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A Disappointing Disciple | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 38
by Katja Jones on April 11th, 2025
This week's scripture makes me think about the friend that we have all been at times, the one that is there and extends ourselves for those that we love. It's incredibly infuriating when we ask so little and our community can't show up in the smallest ways. And yet, what humbles me, is while it's so easy to think of how pissed I would be' like Jesus was, also, how many times did I act like the dis... Read More
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Have Compassion for Yourself | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 37
by The Gathering on April 10th, 2025
So, when we experience disappointment, what can we do? One option is to practice self-compassion. Friends will let us down, life won't go as we hope or expect. We hold on to hope in Jesus and we can access the comfort of the Holy Spirit when we quiet ourselves. Try this self-compassion practice and see how it helps you to confront and transform the self compassion. Matthew 26: 40-5640 He came back... Read More
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A Sarcastic Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 36
by Morgan Goymer on April 9th, 2025
While this pokes fun at the situation of Judas' betrayal of Jesus, it plays on the frustration and disappointment Jesus may have been feeling about what transpires in this Matthew Scripture. Matthew 26: 40-5640 He came back to the disciples and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you stay alert one hour with me? 41 Stay ale... Read More
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Betraying Others is Betraying Yourself | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 35
by Paulette Pie on April 8th, 2025
Have you ever been so sure of something you fell in love with? Like nothing or no one could make you betray it for nothing in the world? That’s how Peter felt being a disciple of Jesus and believing in God. Then, one day, all of a sudden, temptations creep in and you dip your finger in to taste and somehow you find yourself in too deep where you see no way out. Even when you try to figure out a wa... Read More
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Healing From Disappointment | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 34
by Charity Goodwin on April 7th, 2025
This song has been a healing to my spirit when I've felt disappointed in myself and others. May it be a healing to your spirit as well. Matthew 26: 40-5640 He came back to the disciples and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you stay alert one hour with me? 41 Stay alert and pray so that you won’t give in to temptation. The spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak.” 42 A second time he... Read More
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When Betrayal is Part of the Plan | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 33
by Paulette Pie on April 6th, 2025
Jesus faced betrayal from the disciples when they fell asleep while Jesus went to pray. Have you ever been in a situation far from your own understanding and you just want out? The people that said they would be there for you and by your side still don’t understand the sorrow in your heart that you deal with. Even the burden of your existence becomes too heavy for you to carry. In times like this,... Read More
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Joy Entwined with Loss | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 32
by Michelle Burford on April 5th, 2025
Adoption can be filled with so much love and hope but it also inherently involves loss, something broken apart. Daxton became a part of our family as a newborn, even leaving the hospital with us. Despite his first mom's certainty about her choice and our elation at bringing him home, each of us acutely felt the pain involved. We traveled to be with her for his first birthday and this picture of th... Read More
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Joy Even When It Rains | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 31
by Elizabeth Hogan on April 4th, 2025
“After the rain” in St. Louis, MO.Joy in the midst of hard things... Matthew 21:1-11Entry into Jerusalem21 When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus gave two disciples a task. 2 He said to them, “Go into the village over there. As soon as you enter, you will find a donkey tied up and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything... Read More
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When Joy Flows Freely | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 30
by Ellie Sanazaro on April 3rd, 2025
Finn's biggest joy moments happen on the swing, wind in his hair and smile consuming his face. I like to think Jesus might have looked similar riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, smiling big at all of the shouts of, "Hosanna!" Like Jesus, Finn's joy has consistently shown up in the midst of challenges. In fact, in many ways, Finn's life has been marked by challenge. Medically, Finn has endured over... Read More
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An Unexpected Gift of Spring | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 29
by Ashley Pondoff on April 2nd, 2025
I took this picture while on a walk in my neighborhood in early March. These were the first blooms I’d seen since before winter, and they gave me such joy. What an unexpected gift of color and fragrance in the midst of a dry and dreary landscape! They reminded me of the perseverance and boldness it takes, sometimes, to show up joyfully while things are still hard and spring is still yet to come. M... Read More
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Sometimes Joy is Simply Doing Your Best | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 28
by Joel Clark on April 1st, 2025
This is my daughter. One of our struggles lately has been being persistent when things are "too hard." And, encouraging my daughter that some things will take practice, you may not be able to do a cartwheel the first time.The term "parent" implies times of difficulty and overcoming challenges. Daily life can be a challenge, getting out the door on time can be a challenge. In the midst of these cha... Read More
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Everlasting Joy Sealed in Your Heart | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 27
by Amy Munroe on March 31st, 2025
This picture is from a hike with my son in Vedauwoo, Wyoming. My heart was nearly exploding with excitement, and my smile stretched across my face as we climbed an unusual expanse of boulders to the saddle that opened to this beautiful view. To anyone else, it’s just another mountain picture. For my son, it was a fun hike with mom up a familiar trail. To me, it is joy. Not fleeting happiness. It's... Read More
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Visio Divina | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 26
by Charity Goodwin on March 30th, 2025
This week, we will look at photography expressing joy in the midst of challenge. Get ready for a lot of kid cuteness. I invite you to the spiritual practice called Visio Divina - praying with our eyes. We are wired in different ways. Some of us connect with God through words, reading Scripture. For others, music or sound helps us relate to the encounter of the divine. Visio Divina (Divine Seeing) ... Read More
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Ain’t Got Nothin’ | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 25
by Joy Powell on March 29th, 2025
Flippin’Turnin’Churnin’Tables flyingIn the air like dramatic declarations of what was good and GodlyAnd what was notOf what was acceptable behavior in God’s house of prayerAnd what was notA line was crossedA law was brokenA sacred moment was destroyedYou don’t make money by using Jesus’ name or likenessYou don’t speak for Him in his houseYou don’t take advantage of the Son’s reputation and make co... Read More
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i flipped a table once | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 24
by Roya Marsh on March 28th, 2025
Content Warning: Language cups, plates, scatteredspaghetti massacre on laps.all the restaurant alert&this ga'damn tvsayin' WE lost!white girls vanishthe whole world grit they teeth,but a black girl's disappearancewarrants city wide curfews;a second silencing60 black girls ghost //in the nation's capital&my phone never rang about it!64,000 in the world&Lady Gaga ain’t sanging bout it.whole world... Read More
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I Feel Sorry for Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 23
by Naomi Shihab Nye (read by Kelley Weber) on March 27th, 2025
"I Feel Sorry for Jesus" by Naomi Shihab Nye (read by Kelley Weber) John 2:13-24Jesus in Jerusalem at Passover13 It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 He found in the temple those who were selling cattle, sheep, and doves, as well as those involved in exchanging currency sitting there. 15 He made a whip from ropes and chased them all out of the temple, incl... Read More
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The World is Harsh and Beautiful | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 22
by The Gathering on March 26th, 2025
These two poems by author @d.jacksonpoetics (Drew Jackson) speak to the harshness and beauty of the world. May we hold space for both. What do the poems say to you? John 2:13-24Jesus in Jerusalem at Passover13 It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 He found in the temple those who were selling cattle, sheep, and doves, as well as those involved in exchanging... Read More
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Fast for Justice and Kindness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 21
by Sarah Rugenstone on March 25th, 2025
Pastor Sarah preached the Ash Wednesday Service and she challenged us to consider a different kind of fast - of justice and kindness. It's a must see as you journey through this season. John 2:13-24Jesus in Jerusalem at Passover13 It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 He found in the temple those who were selling cattle, sheep, and doves, as well as those i... Read More
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Focus on What is Holy | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 20
by Emma Jane on March 24th, 2025
COURTBy Emma JaneYour Holy court is the place I long to dwellTo sit at your feet, and pour out my sweet vesselLike Mary who came before me, with everything to giveYour temple should be Holy without the sellers to make profitThe merchants who go at the fore in my soul I know them to bleatInattention to what is righteous and loud voices of greedOh Lord, wreck the temple I’ve built with all my foes a... Read More
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A Holy Rage | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 19
by Sarah Rugenstone on March 23rd, 2025
a holy rage by Sarah RugenstoneDon’t they know I serve our God of holyrage?Don’t they know passion for God’s houseconsumes me?it rises up and flushes my cheeks,radiates frenzied echos of heatthrough all my limbs,a holy rageemerges whenGod’s houseis made into a denfor wolves in sheepsclothingmy words will be for you, God,like a whip tied from ropesin anger, I’ll strike, I’ll tear acrossthe places t... Read More
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Courage to Stand for Faith | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 18
by Nick Haynes on March 22nd, 2025
“Cassie” by Flyleaf was written to honor Cassie Bernall, one of the victims of the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. According to some of the people that were inside during the shooting, the shooters asked Cassie if she believed in God. When she said yes, they killed her. It’s a very vivid and understandable story about being willing to overcome fear to stand for your faith, even when you kn... Read More
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Pray When Unsteady | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 17
by The Gathering on March 21st, 2025
Unsteady by Ambassador XThis garden moment is like no other we see from Jesus. Unsteady speaks to the surprise and shock of Jesus sweating blood and praying to God. In your unsteady moments, what do you do? What do you pray? Matthew 26: 36-3936 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said to the disciples, “Stay here while I go and pray over there.” 37 When he took Pete... Read More
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Bring It To The King | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 16
by The Gathering on March 20th, 2025
Exhausted, Tamela Mann sings that only the King can receive her tattered offering. Jesus was tired, sad, and yes even afraid. And he surrenders to God’s will not his own. Consider what you need to bring to the King. Then leave it there at the altar. Matthew 26: 36-3936 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said to the disciples, “Stay here while I go and pray over the... Read More
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Clinging to Hope | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 15
by The Gathering on March 19th, 2025
Sometimes Christian contemporary music missed the mark. But let's appreciate how "Even If" by MercyMe holds the tension of our will and God’s. How do you hold on to hope even when the outcome isn’t what you wanted? Matthew 26: 36-3936 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He said to the disciples, “Stay here while I go and pray over there.” 37 When he took Peter and Zeb... Read More
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Not Through With You Yet | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 14
by Aly Chisum on March 18th, 2025
This song, “If You Want Me To,” by Ginny Owens came out in 1999! Some of us were mere babes, some had already lived a lot of life. And now, 26 years later, the same is still true- we are all going through different things that often feel scary!What strikes me about this song, every time I listen (and often have a few tears), is the line “‘cause I’m not who I was when I took my first step, and I’m ... Read More
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The Loneliness of Fear | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 13
by Ian Goymer on March 17th, 2025
When I listen to this song, I hear someone who is dealing with the burden that is their fears and worries and who feels others do not fully understand this burden. The words “if you could see it through my eyes, you'd understand my fear of everything in sight” demonstrate how lonely it can feel to be burdened with something others either do not or cannot fully appreciate. I imagine this is much li... Read More
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Friends Along the Way | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 12
by Tim Ziegler on March 16th, 2025
This song and this cover speaks to the fear of losing someone you love. I think maybe Jesus Christ as feeling this in the garden. It was a night of saying goodbye to friends—friends who laughed, cried, healed, shared meals and drank wine. Friends who journeyed together. Friends who would wind up at the foot of the cross. Matthew 26: 36-3936 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Geth... Read More
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Journey Not Alone | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 11
by Charity Goodwin on March 15th, 2025
The Funeral Procession by Ellis Wilson (1899-1977) was made popular when it appeared in the living room of The Cosby Show.What does community look like for you on your grief journeys? John 11: 17-3717 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Bethany was a little less than two miles from Jerusalem. 19 Many Jews had come to comfort Martha and Mary afte... Read More
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The Void of Grief | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 10
by Charity Goodwin on March 14th, 2025
Melancholy, a sculpture created by Albert Gyorgy, portrays the void that grief leaves us with. The sculpture depicts a figure made of copper sitting on a bench slumped over, with a giant hole in the center of it. This hole represents the massive void that we all feel when we lose someone dear to us, and many people have expressed their appreciation for this sculpture for it portraying the exact em... Read More
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Inked in Memory | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 9
by Laura Forster-Reuther on March 13th, 2025
In November of 2022 we lost our oldest son Jakob at the young age of 28. He was a beautiful light in this world. He had disabilities and despite that was the happiest kid! When he died, I knew that I wanted to honor him with a tattoo. This is so special to me because I believe that butterflies and cardinals signify that your loved one is near. Jakob’s siblings, Emily & Lukas wanted the song “I Mus... Read More
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Cycles of Life and Death | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 8
by Charity Goodwin on March 12th, 2025
Tombstones // Jacob Lawrence From: https://whitney.org/collection/works/1192 Characteristic of Jacob Lawrence’s work in the 1940s are subjects drawn from the streets and interiors of Harlem. Although he believed that you cannot “tell a story in a single painting,” Lawrence occasionally worked outside the series structure for which he is best known. In uninflected areas of bold color, Tombstones pi... Read More
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Recent
He is Risen | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Easter
April 20th, 2025
The Burning Pain of Hope | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Holy Saturday
April 19th, 2025
Easter Discussion Guide
April 18th, 2025
EasterSTL @The Factory Pro-Tips // M-Note 4.18.25
April 18th, 2025
Today is Not the End of the Story | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Good Friday
April 18th, 2025
Archive
2025
January
Happy New Year // M-Note 1.4.2025Cancel the Noise // M-Note 1.11.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 1The Beloved Community // M-Note 01.18.2025Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 2What A Coincidence // M-Note 1.25.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 3Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 4The Original Influencer // M-Note 2.1.25
February
The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 1Exploring New Sites…And You’re Invited // M-Note 2.8.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 2Uncovering Implicit Bias // M-Note 2.15.2025A "Flurry" of Activity // M-Note 2.22.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 3The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 4
March
Beloved Community Action Steps // M-Note 3.1.25Vulnerability & Wilderness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 1Trusting the Spirit's Lead | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 2Courageous Connection | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 3What's Your Emotional IQ? // M-Note 3.8.25The Spaces Between Us | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 4Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 1Jesus Weeps With You | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 5When Sadness Lingers | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 6Lurking in the Shadows | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 7Cycles of Life and Death | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 8Inked in Memory | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 9The Void of Grief | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 10Sending Forth // M-Note 3.15.25Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 2Journey Not Alone | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 11Friends Along the Way | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 12The Loneliness of Fear | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 13Not Through With You Yet | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 14Clinging to Hope | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 15Bring It To The King | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 16Pray When Unsteady | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 17Courage to Stand for Faith | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 18Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 3A Holy Rage | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 19Focus on What is Holy | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 20Fast for Justice and Kindness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 21The World is Harsh and Beautiful | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 22I Feel Sorry for Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 23Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 4i flipped a table once | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 24Ain’t Got Nothin’ | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 25Spring Forward in Faith // M-Note 3.29.25Visio Divina | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 26Everlasting Joy Sealed in Your Heart | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 27
April
Sometimes Joy is Simply Doing Your Best | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 28An Unexpected Gift of Spring | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 29When Joy Flows Freely | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 30Easter Challenge // M-Note 4.5.25Joy Even When It Rains | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 31Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 5Joy Entwined with Loss | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 32When Betrayal is Part of the Plan | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 33Healing From Disappointment | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 34Betraying Others is Betraying Yourself | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 35A Sarcastic Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 36Have Compassion for Yourself | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 37Another Easter Challenge // M-Note 4.12.25A Disappointing Disciple | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 38When We Disappoint Others | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 39Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 6The Belief of Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 40The Value of Praise | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 41Through the Eyes of Those Who Knew Him | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 42Feeling Called Out | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 43Where Was Judas? | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Maundy ThursdayEaster Discussion GuideEasterSTL @The Factory Pro-Tips // M-Note 4.18.25Today is Not the End of the Story | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Good FridayThe Burning Pain of Hope | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Holy SaturdayHe is Risen | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Easter
2024
January
Clean Slate: Week 1 Discussion GuideStarting & Sustaining Change // M-Note 1.6.24Clean Slate: Week 2 Discussion GuideStarting Small, Dreaming Big // M-Note 1.13.24Clean Slate: Week 3 Discussion GuideTogether Towards Change...and Healthy Habits // M-Note 1.20.24Clean Slate: Week 4 Discussion GuideSlowing Down for God to Show Up // M-Note 1.27.24
February
More Isn't Always Better // M-Note 2.3.24Money Talks: Week 1 Discussion GuideAshes for Valentine's Day? // M-Note 2.10.24Money Talks: Week 2 Discussion GuideLenten Devotional 2024Money Talks: Week 3 Discussion GuideWhat's your legacy? // M-Note 2.17.24Strength in Numbers: Community in Ministry // M-Note 2.24.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week One